Magnitude scales for electrocutaneous stimulation

The application of Stevens’s power law to the sensation resulting from electrocutaneous stimulation is reviewed. Its use for data from individual observers as well as pooled data from several observers is discussed. Magnitude estimates were obtained from 33 observers of the sensation resulting from electrocutaneous stimulation over the median nerve. Seven mathematical functions were applied to the data and tested for goodness of fit. The power function with or without threshold correction factor did not emerge as better than alternative functions. Difficulties in using the power function in studies of individual differences are reviewed. It is concluded that there is no adequate reason at present to discard the linear function in favor of more complex functions in psychophysical scaling of sensation induced by electric shock.     

A Comparison of Nonverbal Compensatory Behaviors Within Direct Face-to-Face and Television-Mediated Interviews1

A study was performed to compare direct face-to-face and television-mediated interviews with regard to a hypothesized compensatory relationship between intimacy level of conversation topic and individuals' looking and smiling behaviors. Thirty-two male subjects were randomly assigned to one of two communication settings and asked a series of questions that varied according to topic intimacy. Subjects' looking, smiling, talking, and listening times were scored from videotapes made of the interviews. In support of predictions derived from Argyle and Dean's (1965) affiliative-conflict theory, it was observed that a shift in topic intimacy from low to high resulted in a decrease in the percent of time subjects spent looking at the interviewer. Further, the results of the present study replicated those reported by other investigators, indicating that a shift in topic intimacy (1) primarily affects subjects' looking while talking and not looking while listening and (2) does not affect subjects' smiling behavior. With the exception that more looking while listening occurred in the television-mediated interviews than in the direct face-to-face interviews, no differences were found in subjects' behaviors between the two communication conditions. The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed from the perspective of affiliative-conflict theory and its application to social interactions conducted via two-way television.     

Immediate correction and adaptation based on viewing a prismatically displaced scene

It was shown that when observers view a scene of a room through displacing prisms there is an immediate correction of the prismatic distortion. Objects appear to lie in a direction closer to their true direction than to that produced by the refraction of the prisms. It was also shown that a brief period of exposure to the prismatically viewed scene, without movement or sight of the body, results in substantial adaptation to the displacement.     

The function of the therapist's affect in therapeutic conflict in groups

Group psychotherapy theory and technique are presented with the goals of helping group practitioners working with difficult clients: 1) develop a treatment plan; 2) create a therapeutic alliance; 3) foster a responsive group climate; and 4) utilize the therapist's countertransferential reactions in dealing with therapeutic conflict. Historical modifications of the analyst's role in the development of group psychotherapy are noted. Emphasis is give to the recognition of therapist-client identifications in order to separate feelings induced in the therapist from countertransferential reactions, to enable the practitioner to respond appropriately to the affective and inspirational substratum of therapeutic groups.     

Simulated situations in group psychotherapy training revisited

A simulated group training model serves as the modality which best captures a balance of didactic and experiential elements, en vivo supervision and consultation, working with the trainees' most difficult clients in a therapeutic group. Limitations of this approach can be most appropriately addressed by personal psychotherapy outside of the training program.     

Debating solutions: a model for teaching about psychosocial issues

In the course of their work paediatric ward staff encounter complex psychological and social problems and they develop expertise in helping children and their families through periods of crisis. This paper discusses a model which actively capitalizes on the problem-solving skills of ward staff in learning how to tackle everyday but intricate psychosocial issues. The model described is a ward-based, solution-focused discussion group using an outside facilitator. The aim is to enable staff to discover fresh alternatives through discussions aided by the use of questioning. The discussion starts from information provided by staff and the solutions evolve from the ensuing debate.     

An inquiry into the problem of evil

Paper presented as the invited keynote address at the Society of Clinical Psychologists of Chile Annual Conference, Santiago, Chile, November, 1992.     

Sports Counseling: Enhancing the Development of the High School Student-Athlete

In recent years, considerable attention has been given to the dilemmas faced by student-athletes. The purpose of this article is to identify the major developmental issues faced by students participating in interscholastic athletics and to suggest ways in which counselors can assist them in mastering age-appropriate developmental tasks.